Does depakote cause leg and joint pain?

Leg and Joint Pain with Depakote

_Depakote (valproic acid) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) that is commonly used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder and migraines._

Common Side Effects of Depakote

The most common side effects of Depakote include:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Dizziness

* Headache

* Fatigue

* Weight gain

Less Common Side Effects of Depakote

Less common side effects of Depakote include:

* Rash

* Itching

* Liver damage

* Pancreatitis

* Blood clotting disorders

* Hair loss

* Leg and joint pain

Leg and Joint Pain with Depakote

Leg and joint pain is a relatively rare side effect of Depakote. It is thought to occur due to the drug's effect on the body's metabolism of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for bone health, and a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to weak bones and muscle weakness.

Risk Factors for Leg and Joint Pain with Depakote

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing leg and joint pain with Depakote, including:

* High doses of Depakote: The risk of leg and joint pain increases with higher doses of the drug.

* Long-term use of Depakote: The risk of leg and joint pain increases with long-term use of the drug.

* Other medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or liver disease, may be more likely to develop leg and joint pain with Depakote.

* Age: Older adults are more likely to develop leg and joint pain with Depakote.

Preventing Leg and Joint Pain with Depakote

There are a few things you can do to help prevent leg and joint pain with Depakote, including:

* Take vitamin D supplements: Taking vitamin D supplements can help to offset the drug's effect on vitamin D metabolism.

* Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D can help to maintain bone health.

* Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to strengthen bones and muscles, and can also help to improve your overall health.

* Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can both interfere with bone health and increase the risk of leg and joint pain.

If _you are experiencing leg and joint pain while taking Depakote, talk to your doctor. There are a number of things they can do to help you manage this side effect, including reducing your dose, switching to a different medication, or prescribing pain medication._